Track: CU Buffs' Emma Coburn notches best steeple time of year

Colorado senior Emma Coburn won the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational on Sunday by turning in the best time in the world this year.

Coburn was victorious in 9 minutes, 28.26 seconds, about 5 seconds off her personal best (9:23.54). Brooks' Jamie Cheever pushed Coburn in the final 600 meters of the race and finished second in 9:29.13.

"I'm happy that I can run 9:28 two days after my 1,500," Coburn said, referring to her eighth-place finish at the Drake Relays on Friday.

On Sunday in Stanford, Calif., Coburn went to the front of the field right from the start. She looked smooth and relaxed and had about 10 meters on the field after the first complete lap and continued to add to her lead. About halfway through the race, Cheever started to pull away from the chase pack and gain some ground on Coburn. Entering the bell lap, Cheever was right on Coburn's shoulder, but Coburn was able to hang on for the win.

Cheever and Coburn blew away the rest of the field with the third-place finisher, Amber Henry of Weber State, finishing in 9:51.55.

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